'Dr. Dirt' Digs In At Disney

Brad Bryant, Who Won The Classic Last Year, Shot 6-under 66 Saturday.

LAKE BUENA VISTA — Orlando's Brad ''Dr. Dirt'' Bryant just can't seem to get that delightful Disney dirt out of his nails.

Bryant, who won the Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Golf Classic last year for his first PGA Tour victory, is back in the hunt after shooting 6-under 66 on the extremely long Magnolia Course on Saturday.

At 14-under 202, Bryant is two shots back of leaders Taylor Smith, Lennie Clements, Rick Fehr and Jay Haas. Bryant is tied with five others.

''I got back into it,'' said Bryant, who won the rain-shortened 54-hole tournament last year with an 18-under 198.

Bryant's 66 was highlighted by a four-birdie stretch from Nos. 10-13, including a nice 6-foot putt on 11.

''The birdie on 11 was really good,'' Bryant said. ''And then I turned around and hit a really good iron shot on 12 so that kind of made the day for me.''

''It's been good, it's been a good week so far,'' he added. ''I haven't putted real well, but I've hit the ball extremely well. And I played today without making a bogey, so that was good. It's been fun.''

A lot more fun than Friday.

After opening the tournament with a 67 on the Palm Course, Bryant scored 69 on the Lake Buena Vista Course Friday, pushing him six strokes back from the leader.

Ironically, it was LBV that boosted Bryant's victory in 1995, after shooting a second-round 63, including a tournament record-tying 29 for nine holes.

A final-round 68 on Magnolia gave Bryant the victory, ending his reign as the leading money winner in tour history among non-winners.

Once again, the Windermere resident was able to muster some Disney Magic on Magnolia.

''I actually played a little better this year than I did last year this round,'' said Bryant, who is playing in his 17th Classic. ''Last year I shot a 68, but I shot 63 at LBV. This year, I only shot 69 at LBV, but I came back with a 66 today, which is a really good score on the Magnolia Course.

''That's probably what it will take tomorrow to win. It's nice to get that round in today.''

He wouldn't mind one more magnificent round on Magnolia.

''It'll be a great way to finish the year,'' said Bryant, who ranks No. 88 on the money list with $240,607. ''I need to have a good round tomorrow to finish the year off.''